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DNA Weight Loss Test

Scientific research has identified multiple genetic variants that have a significant influence on an individual’s body weight and response to specific diets. This test identifies genetic variants that affect obesity risk and weight loss ability, enabling individuals to follow a diet and exercise plan tailored to their genes.
Obesity
Obesity is a worldwide problem that affects all ages and ethnicities. According to the World Health Organization, obesity affects 600 million adults (13% of the world’s adult population) and 41 million children under the age of five years. Obese individuals have a higher risk of multiple health problems, particularly cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, cancer, asthma and osteoarthritis. Due to these health complications, obesity is associated with a reduced life expectancy (averaging 6 – 7 years lower than healthy weight individuals).
DNA influences obesity risk
Obesity risk is influenced by poor diet and lifestyle choices (e.g. excess calories and lack of exercise), but it is also strongly influenced by an individual’s genetic makeup. Genetic variation affects food choices and desire, motivation to get out and exercise, digestion, metabolism, hormone pathways, and even the circadian rhythm.

MC4R – encodes a receptor that plays a role in appetite suppression and increased metabolism. A genetic variant near MC4R disrupts appetite this suppression,
increasing the likelihood of excessive snacking and overeating.

NMB – encodes a protein that has many biological effects that can affect food intake and obesity risk. A genetic variant in NMB is associated with a tendency to overeat.

FTO – encodes the fat mass and obesity associated protein, of which the functions are not yet fully understood. Three common genetic variants in FTO influence energy intake, diet impact and satiety.

SH2B1 – encodes a component of the satiety hormone signalling pathway. A genetic variant in SH2B1 disrupts this pathway and individuals tend to not get the same feeling of fullness after eating.

BDNF – encodes a neurotrophin, which has an important role in energy balance regulation in the brain. A genetic variant in BDNF influences energy balance and obesity risk by altering an individual’s motivation to exercise.

APOA2 – encodes a protein found in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. A genetic variant in APOA2 affects how an individual responds to their saturated fat intake.

AMY1 – encodes the salivary form of the amylase enzyme. One genetic variant in AMY1 decreases amylase levels and reduces the ability to digest starch.

FABP2 – encodes an intestinal protein that is involved in the absorption and metabolism of fatty acids from the diet. A genetic variant in FABP2 alters the uptake and processing of fatty acids.

ADIPOQ – encodes the adiponectin protein, which is an important regulator of glucose levels and fatty acid metabolism. There are three common genetic variations in ADIPOQ that influence the risk of obesity and the likelihood of regaining weight if an individual does not maintain a low-calorie diet.

ADRB2 – encodes the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, which interacts with epinephrine (adrenaline) to mediate a diverse range of physiological responses, including the generation of glucose for energy, lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation and insulin secretion. A genetic variation in ADRB2 is linked to obesity risk and weight loss in response to exercise and carbohydrate intake, particularly in women.

CLOCK – encodes a regulator of circadian rhythms. A genetic variant in CLOCK disrupts the circadian patterning of metabolism-related functions, leading to an increased risk of obesity.